How to charge @office; no outlet :-(

i hang an extension cord out my office window. if this isn't feasible, you could get a small honda generator and keep it in the hatch.

 

I would imagine charging the car with a gas generator kinda defeats the purpose of a plug-in.

 

have you tried PlugShare - EV Charging Station Map - Find the nearest location to charge your electric car!

 

A portable generator will be more polluting and less energy efficient than simply using the PiP's gasoline engine.

Short of finding a public charging station within a few blocks of the workplace, or trading for a Leaf or a Volt, I think sticking to gasoline for the trip home is the best bet.

 

Get the extension cord, not the generator.
Installing an outdoor outlet is NOT a big deal. Ask permission and get it installed.

 

Just enjoy the 50mpg's on gasoline. When electricity is not available at a plug, gasoline is the most efficient energy source.

 

how far is your commute, one way?

 

Luckily, I found a 110 socket on the outside of the building where I work.

 

sock it to me

 

buy a generator

 

You need to get the robot in this video and a long extension cord.

Milestone 2 Reached! Now You Can Watch It | Willow Garage

Mike

 

wow, that was cool!

 

install a solar carport

 

Assuming you're not willing to trade it in on a Volt that would actually cover your commute.*

Ask about paying to have an outlet installed and paying to charge. Even suggest that you'd be happy to have charging limited to the morning so you're not charging near full peak.* Hopefully they'll think about it seriously and you'll set the ball rolling on a structured installation that will enable more people to have plug-ins.

Until you have a socket available just run on gasoline. If you're a typical commuter your evening commute is warmer than the morning commute so the car will warm up more easily.

Obviously, don't use a generator. It's worse than running on gas.

* Heavy workplace charging would just make the peak demand problem worse and lose the potential synergy. I advocate that where possible people buy cars with enough range to cover their entire commute not just half of it. Also, when you do charge during the day at work, try only to charge as much as you need, not as much as you can: unfortunately, manufacturers don't make that easy as they assume you're charging to full.

 

Anytime you have to add another piece of equipment (like a generator, APU, etc..) you lose- you cant beat the laws of physics until machines can be 100% efficient.
Your only viable economically sound options are; plug in or drive home with the ICE. The PIP gets 55mpg+ without any usable charge in the EV battery. Many many people would be extremely happy to get 55mpg, we PIP owners just get used to seeing 80+ mpg and are disappointed to see 55mpg. Sometimes you just have no way to recharge and have to live with it... 55mpg is nothing to complain about.

 

Yes!

Bringing along an extension cord and looking for an outlet just isn't kosher. It's maybe not a lot, but it does cost something.

Let your employer know your situation. You may even get free juice. Or have to pay a nominal amount to get an outlet (or multiple outlets) installed, and/or a monthly charge. It's good PR for the company too.

 

The reason for someone to buy a plug-in is not because high MPG or what, it might be pure personal inclination or pure environmentalism. Don't think about everyone like an engineer.

 

I bought a LEAF so I wouldn't worry about charging at work. My commute could be ~14 miles RT, but with some intra-facility driving for my job I can be up to 40 miles for the day.

But, give you have a PiP, I'd suggest not worrying about it. the Prius engine is a great way to move the car around and certainly beats lugging around a dedicated generator.

when you get your next car, take a closer look at the real capabilities of the car vs your real needs (and desires).